Pediatric Sleep Apnea

Conquering Pediatric Sleep Apnea for a Healthy Start

Childhood is a time of incredible growth and development for our kids. It lays the foundation for a healthy physical, social and educational start to their lives.

Full and restful nights of sleep can go a long way towards helping our children grow into be the best kids they can be. Unfortunately, more and more children are suffering from sleep disordered breathing, a condition that can prevent restful nights of sleep and have far-reaching negative effects on their lives.

What is Sleep Disordered Breathing?

Sleep disordered breathing is common in children. About 3 – 12% of children have some form of sleep disordered breathing which can range from snoring to sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when muscles in the mouth, jaw and throat partially or fully block the airway, causing difficulty breathing.

What causes obstructive sleep apnea in children?

Because there are many factors that play a role, identifying the root cause of childhood sleep apnea may be difficult to pinpoint. Children who are overweight, who have deviated septum or abnormal facial structures, or who have enlarged tonsils and adenoids, are oftentimes at an increased risk of suffering from sleep apnea. Prolonged use of pacifiers or nipple bottles, mouth breathing can also contribute to this condition

What are the symptoms of pediatric sleep apnea?

For many sleep apnea sufferers, the most obvious symptoms occur while they are sleeping, making it difficult to self-diagnose. When it comes to your children, there are a few symptoms you should look for:

Loud and persistent snoring on most nights

Long pauses in breathing while sleeping

Frequently waking up out of breath

Increased irritability or moodiness

Increased drowsiness or feeling sleepy during the day

Difficulty concentrating in school

Bed-wetting

How can sleep apnea be treated?

The HealthyStart® System is an oral appliance therapy that promotes natural growth and development, which addresses the root causes of SDB.

The HealthyStart® System has been specifically designed to promote the proper growth and development of the jaw and airway to optimize airflow and promote proper nasal breathing while straightening your child’s teeth. As these areas develop many of the symptoms of Sleep Disordered Breathing disappear. When kids can breathe properly, they can begin to learn, grow, and blossom into their true genetic potential … just as nature intended.

Many kids with the above health disorders are being “treated” with powerful drugs without evaluating a possible root cause. Our office can evaluate your child and indicate if there is a breathing and sleeping issue. Please take the sleep and speech questionnaire to make an initial evaluation of your child.

Healthy Start not only addresses the root cause of Sleep Disorder Breathing it simultaneously straightens your child’s teeth without braces. Best of all, when treatment begins early, the perfect smiles that the HealthyStart® Appliance System creates are less likely to relapse!

HealthyStart® creates healthier, happier kids who can breathe. Rarely has there ever been a single appliance or system with the power to impact your child’s health in so many positive ways. As a parent, you owe it to your child to give them every chance to succeed. Call today for more information on how to help children achieve their full potential.

Every Child Deserves a Healthy Start!

Treatment with the HealthyStart® Appliance System promotes natural growth and development and is safe and effective. HealthyStart® is non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical, pain-free and non-invasive therapy, is soft, comfortable and worn at night (or as directed) to assist parents who struggle with children affected by Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder, a restricted airway and crowded or crooked teeth

Meet the Doctor

Meghna Dassani, DMD

Dr. Meghna Dassani received her initial dental training from the University of Mumbai, India, where she graduated in 1996 as Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). After working as an associate for one year, she established her own practice in Mumbai, India. She successfully operated this practice for six years prior to moving to the US.In the US, Dr. Dassani received her dental training at Boston University (BU) Goldman School of Dental Medicine and graduated in 2005. She was the editor of the BU chapter of American Student Dental Association (ASDA) magazine, “The Explorer”. At BU, she was actively involved in research projects and she enjoyed working in communities surrounding the dental school. Dr. Dassani practiced in the Houston area as an associate for five years before acquiring this practice.

She regularly attends continuing courses and seminars with a focus on aesthetic dentistry and has received numerous hours of advanced training in placing and restoring dental implants. In February 2014, Dr. Dassani spent 3 days on a mission trip in the Dominican Republic providing advanced implant and bone grafting surgeries.

She's kept busy since opening her own practice in 2011, but when time allows she enjoys traveling, reading, gardening, cooking, visiting with friends and family, and of course, SHOPPING with a Starbucks in her hand!

I am actively involved in and have received advanced training from the following organizations:

American Dental Association (ADA)

Texas Dental Association (TDA)

Greater Houston Dental Society

Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)

Seattle Study Club of South East Houston

Associate Fellowship with the World Clinical Laser Institute

Fellow & Member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)

Fellow & Member of the International Dental Implant Association (IDIA)